That Pothole

Scripture for Today: Isaiah 26:7 “The path of the righteous is level; You, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.”

There is nothing worse than seeing that pothole too late! The resulting thud and bounce matches what my heart does! Unfortunately, this scenario is quite common in California. Among the top ten cities ranked nationwide, California’s cities take the top four places. Insurance companies often have claims involving pothole damage to the tires and suspension. It is especially a problem in states with lots of snow, which makes the problem in California that much more surprising.

The verse for today describes a path that is level and smooth. It is not that way as a result of our own efforts. It is level and smooth because of what the Lord does for the righteous. Without His intervention, life is full of ups and downs and unwelcome jolts to our progress. On our own, the path we take not only becomes rough and uncomfortable but also takes us in the wrong direction! (Isaiah 53:6). But in living out the righteousness that He gives us through Jesus Christ, we can have a totally different ride!

I wish this verse meant that there would never be any problems for the believer. However, we are told we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33). But in choosing to follow His Word, we at least avoid additional and unnecessary problems of our own making. Sin just hurts and complicates life, whether our sin or that of someone else. But in His grace the Lord will sometimes smooth over even those rough patches. When He allows the jolts, He brings us through with new dependence on Him.

Lord, I need You to smooth out what looks like rough road ahead. Thank you that I can trust You.